Published on 22 February 2023

A 40-day challenge encouraging fitness centre members to give up refined sugars in support of diabetes research.

Members of Witterings Fitness based in Hilton Park, East Wittering, West Sussex are asked to cut down how much sugar they consume for the fundraising challenge in aid of DRWF – launched on Wednesday, 22nd February.

Rachel Alland, of Witterings Fitness, said: “We are asking members to pay a voluntary donation of £40, which will go to DRWF, to sign up to give up refined sugar for 40 days.”

The health and fitness centre has offered varying types of challenge in the past. This time they wanted to help support people with their health and fitness journey, to understand the effects of refined sugar in their diet and to see that by making some simple changes to their diet, local people can make a huge difference to their wellbeing.

Rachel added: “We are proud to be supporting DRWF, a charity whose Hampshire-based headquarters are close to us, working across the UK to help people living with all forms of diabetes.

“All eight staff will be taking on the 40-day challenge and we have lots of support for our members, including an online coaching group, weekly emails, and recipe recommendations.
Witterings Fitness is running the 40 day No Sugar Charity Challenge to help combat the escalating obesity crisis and lifestyle diseases, like type 2 diabetes which are putting the NHS under extreme pressure and reducing quality of life."

DRWF Fundraising 40 Days Diabetes Challenge

Rory Macdonald, Nutritionist, at Witterings Fitness, said: “While the causes of obesity and type 2 diabetes are varied, altering our diets is the single best thing we can do to heal ourselves, and it's in our control. We want to show people that by cutting out refined sugar, which carries no nutritional benefit, they can improve their mood and energy levels, and protect themselves from illness.

“This challenge will change peoples' lives and raise money for DRWF to help people living with diabetes.”

The challenge is to go 40 days without refined sugar or processed foods containing refined sugar.

This includes, chocolate, pastries, biscuits, cakes, most processed meals, and snacks, but also things like dried fruit, smoothies and fruit juice. Fresh wholefood sources of sugar like fruits and vegetables are encouraged and are essential in a balanced diet.

Witterings Fitness is providing coaching and support across the 40 days and rewarding clients with prizes for 10-, 20-, 30- and 40-day streaks.

There is no charge to take part, but Witterings Fittness is suggesting a donation of £40 – equal to just £1 per day. They are asking people to give what they can afford and help themselves lose weight, feel better and move past energy crashes and cravings.


Tim Green, DRWF Head of Community Fundraising, said: “It is great to gain the support of Wittering Fitness, it gives the charity the opportunity to spread the word and the work of the charity whilst offering information about living well and the importance of exercise and diet for everyone.

“It’s especially helpful for those trying to make changes to help their type 2 diabetes or for those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. We know this type of support and help makes a huge difference to people’s lives.”

Rachel added: “We are not asking people to give up everything they like, but to understand where the hidden sugars are in the food they eat, such as takeaway burgers or ready meals. We have our own qualified nutritionist who works with staff and members to see where the changes can be made through replacing refined sugar with fresh fruit or natural sweeteners.”

To get involved with the 40-day challenge contact Witterings Fitness here
You can donate to the fundraiser here
Find out more about all DRWF Fundraising activities here

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